I remember, back in the spring of 2005, I took my brother, Jef, to the Flatiron and North peak of the Superstition Mountains. At the top we played a game of pinochle and made a pact that we'd climb up there every five years. A few days after that climb we parked in the desert and looked at the South peak of the Superstitions and discussed a way to the top! Maybe if we climbed up that wash and then on that ridge we could make it!! But plans change.

Cancer came into Jef's life later in 2005 and so we didn't hike to anymore mountain tops. We went on shorter hikes and drove his Jeep over as many desert trails as we could. Always amazed at the beauty of the desert. He was proclaimed cancer free on April 15, 2007 and a few days later, on April 23rd, we went on a hike into Fish Creek. Then we drove back up North to our cabin in Minnesota and he went on to his farm in North Dakota to prepare spings planting and care of his cattle.

But cancer returned, and after many medical trips, Jef died on July 9, 2007 at our cabin. I was able to complete our pact of going to the North peak in 2010, liked we planned, and spread some of his ashes there.

Just a few days ago, I was able to make the climb to the South peak. It is a little higher than the North peak; and is the most strenuous hike I've ever been on. I was thinking of my brother as I, and a group of Trail Blazers, made our way to the top. We ate a late lunch there, signed the book to show we made it and visited for a while. On the way down I, along with most the others, were very sore. Knees, ankles, feet, legs--everything it seemed--just ached. But my heart was soaring, still on the peak, as I am proud to say that Jef, my brother, finally made it to the top of the Superstitions Mountains.
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16 December, 2016East Gate Park Performance

I will be sharing many Christmas songs (plus others) at East Gate, in Apache Junction, AZ this evening. It is a closed event to the public! [More Upcoming Events]